The Monkees, Memories & the Magic

Rating:
Summary: This book needs a good editor
Review: As a major Monkees fan for many years, I was excited to hear about a new Monkees book out, a different kind of Monkees book as the positive reviews say. This slim volume gets an A for its heartwarming intent and some interesting rare photos but only a C or 3 total grade for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's a slim, large-font, quick read with a dull cover and poor editing, as well as a hefty price tag for what it offers. It contains many grammatical errors, misspellings, and awkward syntax. There are even some factual errors; serious fans will know which I mean. It seems the author went straight from his laptop to the publisher. The fan stories related are for the most part typical, generic, repetitive fair about how they all first discovered, became inspired by, and/or met the Monkees. And they seem to have been selected from a small amount of contacts the author has, including Davy and Alan Green, Davy's longtime co-worker. Some of the stories aren't even new, and yet others concern the author's own Monkee experiences. The casual fan won't care or find interest in the stories which could concern any artist. The serious fans have surely already read similar tales in greater detail in Monkee Business Fanzine and all the other great fan publications and websites. Ultimately, this book could have been bigger (another 100 stories?), more attractive, and better edited, if this were to be the ultimate fan tale compilation. Recommended for the completist only.

Rating:
Summary: A Monkee Must Read If your a fan at all....
Review: It's about time we had another Monkee book for our libraries.. this one is so much fun to read...It took me back to the 60's and made me feel how great it was to be in love with these four wonderful men...all the words from all the fans..hearing about what it was like to work on a book with Davy..to the final sad chapter that will bring tears to your eyes..dont want to spoil it.. so do buy this one..its a fast read with wonderful pix of the guys..many I have never seen..and meeting the author via this computer has been very nice as well..do get your copy now..it is so worth the money..you will really love it esp if your a first generation fan...but no matter if your first generation or 4th..it is a fun read..thanks Ed for this trip down memory lane...it was a blast from the past for me...Suzie

Rating:
Summary: A Unique Monkees Book
Review: The Monkees, Memories, and The Magic is unlike any Monkees book written before. Ed Wincentsen has brought a new, unique look to the Monkees phenomenon. Monkees fans, original and new, have related heartwarming stories of their experiences with the Monkees and have shared how the Monkees influenced their lives. This book was a real treat to read! A definite must have!

Rating:
Summary: Hey, Hey! This book is great!
Review: The stories and photographs in this book are priceless. Being a fan of the Monkees since the 60's, it's great fun to read other fan's experiences and thoughts on these four talented guys. You don't need to be a fan of the Monkees to enjoy "The Monkees, Memories and the Magic." But, I bet you that you will become one after you read this book!

Rating:
Summary: Different kind of approach
Review: There are many books, arguably too many, that focus almost explicitly with Monkees history. This book is different. If you really look at what the contributors in this book write, you can actually see the history of the Monkees FAN through the years--from those who discovered the show on a September evening in 1966, to those who found them through the 80's MTV wave of Monkeemania, to those who have recently found the Monkees through recent reunion tours and related projects. After reading the stories of all these dyed in the wool Monkeeholics, it will become no surprise to you why the guys have so positively affected so many people, and why their fans are so loyal. I was glad to help you out, Ed...best of luck with this!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Put It Down!
Review: This book is a phenomenal social study that spans over three decades of the fans' true-life experiences--some will haunt you, while others will leave you giggling like a teenager all over again! The photos will delight you! A true emotional rollercoaster!

Rating:
Summary: Monkees, Mermories and NO magic!
Review: This book is an interesting collection of stories by fans. I have always enjoyed hearing fans stories about their experience and this book is full of such stories, it gives Monkeemania a human face. I particulary liked reading accounts from the 60's. And how fans first discovered the group. There are also some rare pics.

Overall I found the book to be disappointing, as there are few pictures of the Monkees with their fans (isn't that what the book is all about?). Also a lot of the good photos (some are photocopies) were not used to their full potential, resulting in too may blank spaces and pages. Most of the book belongs in a fan magazine, not in a profession publication. Too much pace is wasted in self promotion of the author, fan clubs and web sites. There is more about Alan Green (a friend of David's and the author's) than Mike or Peter. Also I felt that the book was written in a rush, many stories needed to be edited and that it would have been nice if the author had bothered to ask fans from Australia and Japan to contribute.

Final verdict, if you have all the other Monkees books you may want to add this to your collection. Otherwise just save your money and put it towards David's book.

Rating:
Summary: The Monkees, Memories & the Magic
Review: This book is so poorly edited -- I was not able to finish reading it. I was so excited for a new Monkees book to be released and then was disappointed when I received it.

Not to ridicule those who put it together, but it seems as though it was put together quickly, without thought and no attention to detail. Their high level of adoration for the Monkees (which I share) may have clouded their reasoning for putting out this quality of material (i.e., proving their love by producing some sort of a book). My respect for writing makes me sad that a book of this quality was produced.

I would not recommend purchasing this book.

Rating:
Summary: Magical Indeed
Review: This book is the only book on the market for the fans by the fans. The author opened his heart and mind to stories from fans of all ages and nationalities making this book the most unique Monkees book out there. It allows the reader to truly understand the importance of The Monkees not only to the music and television world but to the individual fans' lives. With the creation of this book I was allowed to share a special story about a close friend who died shortly after making my dream of meeting Davy Jones come true. By Ed's willingness to print the story in its entirety, I am able to keep her memory alive and share her story with hundreds of other fans and friends. If you're looking for a book that shows the human side of The Monkees, this is it. Along with these incredible stories are some awesome, rare photographs from Ed's private collection and other fans' collections. This book is a must have for the serious Monkee fan or the curious, casual Monkees fan. If you don't think The Monkees were anything special, think again.